Copenhagen was on my travel bucket list for a longggg time. It has everything I like—bicycles, amazing food, urban scenery—on top of the fact that Denmark is regularly ranked the happiest country in the world! My husband Sam and I squeezed in a Copenhagen stopover on our way to Finland in 2018, and we returned this fall after traveling in Norway. Plus, I lead trips to Scandinavia as part of my work as a trip leader! With lots of travel experience in Copenhagen, I have curated the ideal itinerary for first-timers.

This well-organized 3 day travel guide promises to unveil the best of Copenhagen's magic.

Exploring Copenhagen in just 3 days may seem like a whirlwind, but this Scandinavia gem offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and culinary delights that can be savored in a weekend getaway. Whether you're captivated by the whimsical allure of Tivoli Gardens, eager to delve into royal history at Rosenborg Palace, or craving a taste of the city's delectable culinary scene, this itinerary promises an unforgettable two-day adventure.

How To Spend 3 Days in Copenhagen For First Timers

Day 1 in Copenhagen

Morning: Nyhavn & Surroundings

Located in the heart of the city, Nyhavn is a picturesque and iconic waterfront district that nearly every traveler visits on their first time in Copenhagen. The most striking feature of Nyhavn is its colorful row of 17th-century townhouses that line the waterfront. These buildings, painted in an array of vibrant hues, show up on the cover of like EVERY travel book or blog post about Copenhagen. 

The bustling waterfront promenade is the heart of Nyhavn's activity, and I’m going to be honest – it’s pretty touristy. Pop into a cafe to grab a coffee or souvenir, but then start making your way north to sightsee around the historic city center. 

Nearby to Nyhavn, Frederik's Church is a magnificent architectural gem. The church's most striking feature is its immense copper dome, one of the largest church domes in Europe. The dome's neoclassical design, inspired by the iconic St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, gives the church an imposing and regal presence. The interior of Frederik's Church is equally impressive, featuring a spacious, light-filled interior adorned with beautiful frescoes, intricate stucco decorations, and a sense of symmetry and balance characteristic of neoclassical design. 

Your final stop on your morning sightseeing tour is Amalienborg Palace. This magnificent palace complex serves as the official residence of the Danish royal family. Amalienborg consists of four identical palaces that surround an octagonal courtyard. Amalienborg is busiest around noon, when there is a daily changing of the guard ceremony. It is held at noon and is free for the public to watch. This is a popular attraction, although I don't find it all that exciting.

Early Afternoon: Harbor Tour by Boat

The sea is an important part of life for Danish people, which totally makes sense when you consider that the entire country is a massive peninsula and series of islands. You’re never far from the water, so why not see Copenhagen from the water? Get up-close-and-personal with Copenhagen’s seafaring history and modern life.

There are a number of canal and harbor tours in Copenhagen, but I think the best one is Hey Captain. Hey Captain offers what they call “social sailing”, where the guests and tour guide all interact in a casual and friendly way. It has such a nice vibe!

We did the 2-hour Hidden Gems tour. This tour highlights locally beloved (i.e. off-the-beaten track) spots. You’ll explore up-and-coming areas away from the inner part of the city. I especially liked seeing the unique aspects of Copenhagen’s architectural movement, such as cutting-edge floating homes, refurbished industrial buildings and hyper-modern structures.

Late Afternoon: Christiansborg Area

The imposing Christiansborg Palace serves as the home of the Danish Parliament, the Prime Minister's Office, and the Supreme Court. It combines political importance, historical significance, and architectural splendor. Considered an architectural masterpiece, the palace has a combination of various architectural styles, such as neoclassical, baroque, and rococo architecture.

One of the most iconic features of Christiansborg is its tower, which rises high above the city. Visitors can ascend the tower to enjoy panoramic views of Copenhagen.

From here, wander along the small canal towards Strøget, one of the main shopping streets in Copenhagen. There are lots of cute alleys and side streets around here, lined with any number of adorable cafes and quirky shops. This is a fun part of the city to simply explore and get a little bit lost. End your walk near Copenhagen’s city hall. With its striking red-brick exterior and distinctive clock tower, it sits on a massive public square with great public transit options.

Evening: Reffen Food Truck Park

A distinctly Copenhagen vibe, Reffen Street Food park is a redevelopment project in a revitalizing area of the industrial harbor. Housed within upcycled shipping containers, Reffen is one of those see-and-be-seen kinds of places. It has a cool vibe and even cooler restaurants with a broad diverse assortment of global flavors.

Not only is Reffen an affordable place to eat (with mains starting at 70 DKK) but the food is mouthwatering. Whether you're craving Indian or Mexican cuisine, you'll find it here. As the night goes on, it shifts into a clubby vibe with live music and cool lighting. 

Day 2 in Copenhagen

Morning: Rosenborg Castle & King’s Garden

Rosenborg Castle, a magnificent Renaissance-style palace located in the heart of Copenhagen, Denmark, is a living testament to the country's royal heritage. Built in the early 17th century by King Christian IV, the palace is beautiful from the outside. If you don’t have time (or an interest) to go inside, seeing the exterior is still worth it. Rosenborg Castle boasts a stunning copper roof and intricate spires, set in a peaceful rose garden in the heart of Copenhagen. 

Open daily, you should buy tickets ahead of time. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself waiting in a massive line. Once inside, visitors can explore the opulent rooms, each room is dedicated to the stylings of a different member of the Danish royal family. Don’t miss the Danish Crown Jewels exhibit.

Adjacent to the castle is the King's Garden, a meticulously manicured park that serves as an ideal complement to Rosenborg Castle's grandeur. The garden features tree-lined avenues, colorful flowerbeds, and peaceful pathways. Skip the Little Mermaid Statue – it is WAY too crowded and actually pretty small. Opt instead for a stop at the Hans Christian Anderson statue in the King’s Garden. It is far more peaceful and still dedicated to the man who created the famous story.

Early Afternoon: Torvehallerne 

Not far from Rosenborg Castle is Copenhagen’s best food hall – Torvehallerne. This is SUCH a great place to stop for lunch. Covering an area of over 700 m², TorvehallerneKBH is an gormet Danish food hall with food ranging from baked goods to seafood. With its two large steel and glass halls, each side of the market specializes in something different connected by a large patio in between. 

I recommend following your nose or looking for lines of locals. This is how you find the best stalls in the market! A few places I can recommend:

• Albatross & Venner: is a bakery with a penchant for using modern techniques to reinvent classic breads and pastries. Savory pastries are the focus. 
• Coffee Collective: meticulously sourced and expertly roasted coffee. Their pour-over coffee, prepared with precision, is the shining star.
• Exotic Mix: sample the beloved local licorice sweets. Great selection of dried fruits & nuts as well. 
• Rørt: seasonally inspired, approachable Smørrebrød. Vegan & vegetarian options available.

Late Afternoon: Tivoli Gardens

Tivoli Gardens is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, and it actually inspired Disneyland. I’m not normally one for amusement parks, but on nearly every travel guide for Copenhagen, Tivoli Gardens kept popping up as a must-do activity. I decided to give Tivoli Gardens a go and wow – I’m happy to say that I LOVED IT! 

Located in the city center, Tivoli Gardens is easy to access via public transportation. You’ll find amusement rides, small shops, and food stalls inside the park. There are two types of tickets for Tivoli Gardens – an entry pass or entry + rides pass. If you plan on riding even three rides, opt for the entry + rides pass, since it gives you unlimited rides. 

The entire vintage aesthetic of the park is curated in this turn-of-the-century mixed with atomic age style. I’m obsessed! Everything was a blast of nostalgia, especially riding the high swings and bumper cars. I haven't rode a rollercoaster in ages, which was a blast. I couldn't stop laughing!

The park is open at night, although rides close earlier than the park. Visiting an amusement park at night is something different. Thousands of lights turn on to create a fairytale-like atmosphere inside Tivoli. We were lucky to be in Copenhagen during the holiday season, which only added to the magic in the air. On Saturday nights, they will shoot off fireworks around 10pm!

Evening: Michelin Star Dinner

In case you haven’t picked up on it yet, Copenhagen has world-class cuisine—it is home to 26 Michelin stars! Copenhagen’s Noma has ranked as the Best Restaurant in the World for MANY years (although it is rumored to be closing soon). It would be a shame not to indulge in a fancy dinner at least once during your visit to Copenhagen. Personally, I was all too excited to drop some serious $$$ on a Michelin-star meal! 

On my first trip to Copenhagen, we ate at Kiin Kiin. Female chef Dak Laddaporn loves to play with temperatures, so expect a few surprises like liquid nitrogen frozen red curry or chicken satay with a peanut ice cream sauce. Another great choice is Restaurant Jordnær. It was the most special meal of our recent trip to Copenhagen. Seafood is the true star of the show as the set menu features an array of bold, creative and stunningly plated fish and shellfish dishes.

Day 3 in Copenhagen

Morning: Neighborhood Exploration

I think Copenhagen is the most interesting and vibey in the neighborhoods. For your third day in the city, I would recommend renting a bike and exploring one or two different neighborhoods. Take a slow travel mentality and let yourself indulge curiosities. Discover your own favorite spots in Copenhagen! 

• Nørrebro: Northeast of the city center, Nørrebro is home to some of the city’s most interesting restaurants. Jægersborggade is jam-packed with vintage stores, home design outlets, and locally owned shops. Nørrebro is also one of the most ethnically diverse neighborhoods in Copenhagen
• Vesterbro/Kødbyen: Once considered Copenhagen's red light district, now it's home to lots of nightlife especially around Kødbyen, Copenhagen's meatpacking district. Surprisingly though, it is also a popular place for young families to live.  
• Christianshavn: Technically a cluster of small islands, Christianshavn is a charming area that is meant to look like Amsterdam. You’ll find it teeming with colorful row homes and charming cafes. There are lots of houseboats along the harbor here. Easy place to kayak or rent boats and explore the waterways on your own. 
• Carlsberg District: Quickly redeveloping area surrounding the historic Carlsberg Brewery. High-end shops and carefully edited studios give this area a swanky up-and-coming sort of vibe. 
• Nordhavnen: Residential area built into an old commercial harbor. Very cool architecture and modern buildings. Many bakeries and Copenhagen brands are opening second locations here.

Early Afternoon: Swimming & Saunas

If you want to really feel like a local, try swimming at one of Copenhagen’s many “beaches”. On a sunny summer day, there are SO many Danes hanging around the waterfront. Now let’s be clear – these are urban beaches – so it is more like jumping off a pier or dock into the quite cold waters. One of the most visited swimming holes in Copenhagen is Islands Brygge, right across the bridge from the city center. Another favorite is Badezone Sandkaj in the trendy Nordhavnen neighborhood. 

Where are my sauna girlies at? I see you, because I am you. I love a good sauna or wellness experience! If you need to go to the sauna before swimming, check out Copenhot on the north side of town. 

For a more luxury spa experience in Copenhagen, I can recommend Aire Ancient Baths. It is rather expensive, but it has got amazing services, several different baths, and a really beautiful aesthetic. Another option is the viral sensation Junglefish Pool at Manon Les Suites. For non-hotel guests, you must reserve a day pass (book well in advance because they sell out) to take advantage of the pool, steam room, and sauna.

Late Afternoon: Carlsberg Brewery Tour

Founded in 1847 by visionary J.C. Jacobsen, Carlsberg Brewery is a household name around the world. And no wonder – it is the 4th largest beer producer worldwide. Carlsberg is  a cornerstone of Copenhagen’s industrial and cultural history, and this historic brewery was once the beating heart of Denmark’s economy. 

If you have done the Guinness Brewery Experience in Dublin before, the Carlsberg tour will feel familiar. It is a self-guided walk through the historic brewery facilities interactive exhibits detailing how the famous Carlsberg lager is crafted. 

The Carlsberg Experience offers more than just beer tasting—it’s an immersive journey into the brewing process. The brewery also houses one of the world’s largest collections of beer bottles. After the tour, relax in the Carlsberg Beer Garden, where you can sip on freshly brewed beer in a surprisingly modern and stylish space.

Evening: Night Out in Kødbyen 

If you are traveling in Copenhagen on the weekend (especially in summer), you will encounter the rowdy nightlife crowd that descends on the city after dark. Copenhagen has a thriving nightlife scene! This is especially true in Kødbyen, Copenhagen's meatpacking district. The district’s unique combination of gritty, industrial charm and modern creativity come together for an unforgettable evening out. 

Start the evening with dinner in Kødbyen. I would recommend two places specifically – Hija de Sanchez or Warpigs. Hija de Sanchez is an upscale Mexican taqueria with a menu that offers a few recognizable and deeply delicious tacos, served on house-made corn tortillas. Warpigs is  a mecca for meat lovers, serving up delicious American-style barbecue, including burnt ends, sausage, pulled pork and more. 

Wash down your dinner with a local beer from one of the Copenhagen microbreweries in the meatpacking district. I personally enjoy Mikkeller, which was founded in 2006. It has received many awards for its creative beers. Another good option is ÅBEN Brewery. The beer is being brewed at the brewery just behind the bar. When the beer is finished, it flows directly to one of the 14 tanks hanging from the roof and into your glass. As the evening progresses, the district comes alive with music, art, and dancing. Head to one of Kødbyen’s popular cocktail bars or nightclubs, where the atmosphere ranges from cozy and intimate to electrifying and energetic.

How to Get Around in Copenhagen

In my opinion, the best way to explore Copenhagen is by bicycle. This probably isn’t a surprise to long-time readers – I love riding bicycles when I travel. Thankfully, Copenhagen is one of the most bikeable cities in the world. Copenhagen has excellent bicycle infrastructure and flat topography. It is also blessed with a temperate climate all year round so you'll see locals riding their bicycles nearly 365 days a year! 

Bicycles are a cheap and flexible way to explore. There are public bike rentals on the street through companies like Donkey Republic. If you prefer a guide, I strongly recommend going on a bike tour with Bike with Mike. He offers customizable private tours or daily public tours, which will take you to Copenhagen’s major highlights.

Where to Stay in Copenhagen

As a design-centric city in Europe, Copenhagen has a high number of chic hotels around town. I will highlight a few notable hotel mentions:

• Villa Copenhagen ($$$$): Housed inside the former post central from 1912, Villa Copenhagen is cool vibes all around. Great pool, home to one of my favorite bakeries in the city, and an amazing location next to Tivoli Gardens & the central train station. 
• Coco Hotel ($$$): Super cute boutique hotel in a neighborhoody part of town. Lobby doubles as chic café.
• Copenhagen Marriott Hotel ($$): Reliable brand with a lovely location right on the main canal. Rooms are quite spacious.
• Square Hotel ($$): Centrally located on one of Copenhagen’s main squares. Within walking distance of almost everything. Simple service, rooms & design. Lovely included breakfast.

Where to Eat in Copenhagen

Often rated as one of the top foodie destinations in Europe, Copenhagen has an abundance of dining experiences like no other. Our top priority was squeezing in as many delicious meals as we could in just 48 hours. From delectable breakfast and coffee spots to vibrant lunch and street food markets where a myriad of global flavors await, Copenhagen promises to be a food lover's haven. Copenhagen is one of those destinations where you could spend an entire day eating and still not be satisfied. There are just SO many fantastic restaurants in Copenhagen.

Do you have thoughts or questions about this Copenhagen travel guide? Tell me in the comments!